Taiaki

Japanese: 太阿記 - たいあき

Written by the Zen monk Takuan in the early Edo period. 1 volume. The date of writing is unknown, although some say it was written during the Kan'ei era (1624-44). "Taoya" refers to a famous sword that can easily cut through metal, iron, and jade. The author likens this to the miyoyu meaning of the great function of one who has attained enlightenment, saying, "It is generally believed that nothing can impede the blade of a famous sword, and therefore this miyoyu power is called the Taoya sword." The author preaches about Zen, discussing what it means to master martial arts and swordsmanship, and says that true martial arts are not something that can be taught through words or taught by others, but are a method that is transmitted outside of the teachings and that one must realize and understand by oneself.

Source: Heibonsha World Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition Information

Japanese:

江戸時代初期の禅僧沢庵の著。1巻。著作年代は寛永年間(1624‐44)とする説もあるが不詳。〈太阿〉とは金鉄や玉石をも自由に切ることのできる名剣をいうが，〈名剣の刃に障るものなきと一般なるが故に，此の妙用の力を太阿の剣とは名づくるなり〉として，悟りを得たものの大きなはたらきをいう妙用（みようゆう）の意にたとえている。兵法･剣術に通達するとはいかなることかをテーマに禅を説き，真実の兵法は言葉で語り伝えたり，人から教えられて習うようなものではなく，まさに教外別伝の法であり，自悟自得せねばならぬ法であるという。

出典　株式会社平凡社世界大百科事典第２版について　情報

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